Home Energy Pros2015-03-03T19:31:25ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundonhttp://api.ning.com:80/files/YGCAijflZ1LtwsJkneRCbXDCRP5sFns7X0BfZzyknODAcS9fCfHOsSISZRI-k7Ia10tGcAQ6QbIezAcyc4FsXdjMpdTLyvjA/patpic.JPG?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/group/hallofshame/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=16hvuajpwtica&feed=yes&xn_auth=noEasy Water Heater Ventingtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-01-03:6069565:Topic:1463352014-01-03T13:36:55.841ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u325ipbpd7pgMTbWUqgHiUDg-*Y9N15XoJBHydJJQWrwYZq1KinXpK9WWcV9ZXSArmoy4QdRVwNm62V8V*IJ6QXvN79xjih7/DSCN1345.JPG" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u325ipbpd7rY8kz*9Cil9qs92hqOYN1yt3yjXzrbK3UScXB9CJSUKv6eiB**BTf*PfcaS9zcr-qSv0dHQtF-LD2gtSMCb8Qv/DSCN1350.JPG?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u325ipbpd7pgMTbWUqgHiUDg-*Y9N15XoJBHydJJQWrwYZq1KinXpK9WWcV9ZXSArmoy4QdRVwNm62V8V*IJ6QXvN79xjih7/DSCN1345.JPG" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u325ipbpd7rY8kz*9Cil9qs92hqOYN1yt3yjXzrbK3UScXB9CJSUKv6eiB**BTf*PfcaS9zcr-qSv0dHQtF-LD2gtSMCb8Qv/DSCN1350.JPG?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p> Thank-less water heatertag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-06-12:6069565:Topic:1205662013-06-12T20:21:00.501ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p>I was recently conducting an audit on a home when I ran across this perplexing situation, a tank-less water heater that someone installed with a reticulation pump set on a timer to run 3 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening. I guess the contractor has not heard of the on demand system where the homeowner can call for hot water by pushing a button and waiting a minute before turning on the water.</p>
<p>At least it had a temperature sensor to shut off the circulation pump once the…</p>
<p>I was recently conducting an audit on a home when I ran across this perplexing situation, a tank-less water heater that someone installed with a reticulation pump set on a timer to run 3 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening. I guess the contractor has not heard of the on demand system where the homeowner can call for hot water by pushing a button and waiting a minute before turning on the water.</p>
<p>At least it had a temperature sensor to shut off the circulation pump once the hot water made contact with the sensor, that means that the tank-less system is only firing on and off during the timed demand period. I guess there is no way to put a positive spin on this (pathetic) installation.</p>
<p>We need more training out there and maybe a little more education for the homeowner so that they just don't go for the low bid, but maybe hire the contractor based on their experience in home-performance<a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HmsNCuI4-iAn8pvAZxORr978M3F647dGEqsycaEKXymSq9*VefafCw2sRPkFhhtyBI4KCsDOtlCnqI6BHy5kOr1OfIAfNZ17/DSCF6190.JPG" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HmsNCuI4-iAn8pvAZxORr978M3F647dGEqsycaEKXymSq9*VefafCw2sRPkFhhtyBI4KCsDOtlCnqI6BHy5kOr1OfIAfNZ17/DSCF6190.JPG?width=750" width="750" class="align-center"/></a>. <br/><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HmsNCuI4-iDxGqpNCCIG3tERZkuGf35pIJ1tnRPeJ8qPQQOm8qD7uKLAWCzUw3Z*aL236NOx8jbBOaqdLAuaNH4WrHJEJTS*/DSCF6190.JPG" target="_self"><br/></a></p> Parts is parts anything to make it vent and gee there is draft; so there for it works.tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-04-29:6069565:Topic:1154652013-04-29T20:58:01.323ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qTBoDPGnvtwfF4HLWkZggFP1QGd4VNG5LHGRkKBbJpNz5ML5NNSCkq5xYcfKcwdAonm8B0*PxzFGpM9ihugL7Siy7uVu8BX-/Itworks.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qTBoDPGnvtwfF4HLWkZggFP1QGd4VNG5LHGRkKBbJpNz5ML5NNSCkq5xYcfKcwdAonm8B0*PxzFGpM9ihugL7Siy7uVu8BX-/Itworks.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://undefined" target="_blank"><br/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qTBoDPGnvtwfF4HLWkZggFP1QGd4VNG5LHGRkKBbJpNz5ML5NNSCkq5xYcfKcwdAonm8B0*PxzFGpM9ihugL7Siy7uVu8BX-/Itworks.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qTBoDPGnvtwfF4HLWkZggFP1QGd4VNG5LHGRkKBbJpNz5ML5NNSCkq5xYcfKcwdAonm8B0*PxzFGpM9ihugL7Siy7uVu8BX-/Itworks.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://undefined" target="_blank"><br/></a></p> Easiest way to convert 2"x10" into 2"x5"!tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-04-25:6069565:Topic:1154012013-04-25T16:15:02.132ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VzgFwBdBjDXmhxvGo7bcy9KcdYCmzFavPmT40uecl4p9irbTyRvF1clEH3wpYfe56bzD5FAeS6x71jiTg6rZDiYI0tzqL5yf/SuferingjoistsBGG.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VzgFwBdBjDXmhxvGo7bcy9KcdYCmzFavPmT40uecl4p9irbTyRvF1clEH3wpYfe56bzD5FAeS6x71jiTg6rZDiYI0tzqL5yf/SuferingjoistsBGG.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a> I know this has nothing to do with energy performance, but at some point we all have to be able to identify things that aren't right! This was in my 100year old house in Toronto, it's one of the dirtiest pics I…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VzgFwBdBjDXmhxvGo7bcy9KcdYCmzFavPmT40uecl4p9irbTyRvF1clEH3wpYfe56bzD5FAeS6x71jiTg6rZDiYI0tzqL5yf/SuferingjoistsBGG.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VzgFwBdBjDXmhxvGo7bcy9KcdYCmzFavPmT40uecl4p9irbTyRvF1clEH3wpYfe56bzD5FAeS6x71jiTg6rZDiYI0tzqL5yf/SuferingjoistsBGG.jpg?width=750" width="750"/></a>I know this has nothing to do with energy performance, but at some point we all have to be able to identify things that aren't right! This was in my 100year old house in Toronto, it's one of the dirtiest pics I have!</p> Return Possumtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-04-25:6069565:Topic:1150972013-04-25T15:27:23.119ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p>Performing a visual inspection of a house in Nashville TN and came across this gem.</p>
<p>Homeowner complains of inability to regulate house temperature, odors, discomfort, and some sinus / health issues.</p>
<p>See photo below - the standard non existent vapor barrier, completely disconnected return plenum...within 8" of end of return plenum is a dead, decaying possum.…</p>
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<p>Performing a visual inspection of a house in Nashville TN and came across this gem.</p>
<p>Homeowner complains of inability to regulate house temperature, odors, discomfort, and some sinus / health issues.</p>
<p>See photo below - the standard non existent vapor barrier, completely disconnected return plenum...within 8" of end of return plenum is a dead, decaying possum.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VzgFwBdBjDWg4*-YRH4QLUKwoMpz9l3ueUj4TRdhE*2-VJghwalJiRTfDs3mTtDoi9lyhzzQ*2VUo0-rWPP6EGF2mt-ISJ6f/DeadPossum.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VzgFwBdBjDWg4*-YRH4QLUKwoMpz9l3ueUj4TRdhE*2-VJghwalJiRTfDs3mTtDoi9lyhzzQ*2VUo0-rWPP6EGF2mt-ISJ6f/DeadPossum.jpg?width=750" width="750"/></a></p>
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<p></p> This is what was behind by an inexperienced home performance contractortag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-04-04:6069565:Topic:1130782013-04-04T00:25:19.174ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
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<p>This is what appeared on the walls of a homeowner after an inexperienced contractor conducted a retrofit on her home. this is a large HVAC company that is participating in a utility energy upgrade program. I am surprised that this did not happen sooner, I have been warning the Utility and the contractors that they were ignoring the moisture issues in the homes that were being retrofitted. Nothing like being sued by an angry homeowner to bring every one back to reality. …</p>
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<p>This is what appeared on the walls of a homeowner after an inexperienced contractor conducted a retrofit on her home. this is a large HVAC company that is participating in a utility energy upgrade program. I am surprised that this did not happen sooner, I have been warning the Utility and the contractors that they were ignoring the moisture issues in the homes that were being retrofitted. Nothing like being sued by an angry homeowner to bring every one back to reality. <a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-ZwHeZG6vwaeZu-h7kAlRv8srXtPa1A6F8aeY6j5Lsd3f2AeDiCCA4jB7yQUAWHZOg5kDL5MRk9W48yug8SwmdkeyrO4ck-z/download3.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-ZwHeZG6vwaeZu-h7kAlRv8srXtPa1A6F8aeY6j5Lsd3f2AeDiCCA4jB7yQUAWHZOg5kDL5MRk9W48yug8SwmdkeyrO4ck-z/download3.jpg?width=221" width="221" class="align-left"/></a></p> Spillage used as pest control to keep spiders away.tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-26:6069565:Topic:1118522013-03-26T02:30:34.485ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b0cux8vEHWE-iRG2R9hNAvnINQS1ZjElnlQa3UdWybW0UdrzLWClDNwUQYWvudpQNPrbf51wU3FpWHHUEIFPMCnuoi7YdZKJ/DSCF50261.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b0cux8vEHWE-iRG2R9hNAvnINQS1ZjElnlQa3UdWybW0UdrzLWClDNwUQYWvudpQNPrbf51wU3FpWHHUEIFPMCnuoi7YdZKJ/DSCF50261.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b0cux8vEHWE-iRG2R9hNAvnINQS1ZjElnlQa3UdWybW0UdrzLWClDNwUQYWvudpQNPrbf51wU3FpWHHUEIFPMCnuoi7YdZKJ/DSCF50261.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b0cux8vEHWE-iRG2R9hNAvnINQS1ZjElnlQa3UdWybW0UdrzLWClDNwUQYWvudpQNPrbf51wU3FpWHHUEIFPMCnuoi7YdZKJ/DSCF50261.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p> Add a Supplytag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-25:6069565:Topic:1117612013-03-25T18:48:28.091ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdKaaovgAB783LhmskLkWLFJxH9NiGUrchHfiN9ZwSYJTZyx-J1NtiOpPImxuDEjteA5BZ*szr9xCUmHdP1oKO3/2012101716.03.46.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdKaaovgAB783LhmskLkWLFJxH9NiGUrchHfiN9ZwSYJTZyx-J1NtiOpPImxuDEjteA5BZ*szr9xCUmHdP1oKO3/2012101716.03.46.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdKaaovgAB783LhmskLkWLFJxH9NiGUrchHfiN9ZwSYJTZyx-J1NtiOpPImxuDEjteA5BZ*szr9xCUmHdP1oKO3/2012101716.03.46.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdKaaovgAB783LhmskLkWLFJxH9NiGUrchHfiN9ZwSYJTZyx-J1NtiOpPImxuDEjteA5BZ*szr9xCUmHdP1oKO3/2012101716.03.46.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p> It just isn't heating like it used to.tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-25:6069565:Topic:1117372013-03-25T15:30:28.132ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p>I didn't feel it was necessary to ask this client how often they checked the furnace filter.…<a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJftbHnfz7UB*PW4I9Vmn4r7e1DP*Zs9Z*8S1jZfqTev99XM2doCO97ZRzqvZZ3BZNjmZfDwWut5g1l9TyCkLFSA/Blizzard050.JPG" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJftbHnfz7UB*PW4I9Vmn4r7e1DP*Zs9Z*8S1jZfqTev99XM2doCO97ZRzqvZZ3BZNjmZfDwWut5g1l9TyCkLFSA/Blizzard050.JPG?width=750" width="750"></img></a> <a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdq3NFmEwdrfnJrzIsgmF-DzFoDzkig2A1hOb9Fwc-*Xg2VXj7qIXOmJ6*o9QjyQbJNTmKxoo*58NFzYGK-FhDS/Blizzard051.JPG" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdq3NFmEwdrfnJrzIsgmF-DzFoDzkig2A1hOb9Fwc-*Xg2VXj7qIXOmJ6*o9QjyQbJNTmKxoo*58NFzYGK-FhDS/Blizzard051.JPG?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>I didn't feel it was necessary to ask this client how often they checked the furnace filter.<a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJftbHnfz7UB*PW4I9Vmn4r7e1DP*Zs9Z*8S1jZfqTev99XM2doCO97ZRzqvZZ3BZNjmZfDwWut5g1l9TyCkLFSA/Blizzard050.JPG" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJftbHnfz7UB*PW4I9Vmn4r7e1DP*Zs9Z*8S1jZfqTev99XM2doCO97ZRzqvZZ3BZNjmZfDwWut5g1l9TyCkLFSA/Blizzard050.JPG?width=750" width="750"/></a><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdq3NFmEwdrfnJrzIsgmF-DzFoDzkig2A1hOb9Fwc-*Xg2VXj7qIXOmJ6*o9QjyQbJNTmKxoo*58NFzYGK-FhDS/Blizzard051.JPG" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/twryudDDeJdq3NFmEwdrfnJrzIsgmF-DzFoDzkig2A1hOb9Fwc-*Xg2VXj7qIXOmJ6*o9QjyQbJNTmKxoo*58NFzYGK-FhDS/Blizzard051.JPG?width=750" width="750"/></a></p> Boxing a fantag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-03-24:6069565:Topic:1114002013-03-24T22:17:58.083ZPat Dundonhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/Patdundon
<p>This is a post-weatherization photo of how a contractor in a local low income weatherization program boxed a bathroom fan. That's the fan buried in cellulose with a piece of tin laying loose on top of it. The fan is in complete contact with the insulation which, in my opinion, could lead to a fire and there certainly is no air sealing going on. Seriously shameful.</p>
<p>This is a post-weatherization photo of how a contractor in a local low income weatherization program boxed a bathroom fan. That's the fan buried in cellulose with a piece of tin laying loose on top of it. The fan is in complete contact with the insulation which, in my opinion, could lead to a fire and there certainly is no air sealing going on. Seriously shameful.</p>